California

FOR THE DOGS – Volunteer to care for farmed animals at the Animal Acres Sanctuary, located 45 minutes north of Los Angeles at 5200 Escondido Canyon Road, Acton, CA 93510 (661-269-0986). Check it out first at www.animalacres.org.

SLIDE DOWN A POLE – Visit the Los Angeles Fire Department African-American Firefighters Museum, housed at the restored Old Fire Station 30, built in 1913. Check out the vintage fire engines at 1401 South Central Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90021 (213-744-1730).

DRY SAILING – Every Sunday, climb aboard a replica of the brig Pilgrim at Dana Point. Featured in the fi lm Steven Spielberg film Amistad, the sailing ship was used in the California hide trade during the early 19th century. The Pilgrim was immortalized by one of her sailors, Richard Henry Dana, Jr., who wrote the classic account Two Years Before the Mast about its 1834 voyage between Boston and California. Located at Capistrano Bay in Dana Point, CA.

AMONG THE ELEPHANTS – Just north of San Simeon, look for Point Piedras Blancas, where hundreds of elephant seals routinely sun themselves on the beach within 100 yards of the overlook. These giants of the ocean can weigh two tons or more, yet when two males decide to face off on the beach, they move scary fast.

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